This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: mlcole50 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.downing/978.4.2.1.3.2.2.3.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I tried to post attachments but they didn't go out in the emails. You can download the original patents from http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/ The fact that John was part of the group from Anne Arundel Co, (now Howard Co.) suggests he was from that area. I have looked for Revolutionary War records and haven't found anything that looks definite. If there are any male descendants with the name Downing, it would really be helpful to have them do a DNA test from FTDNA. The Mansell, Gassaway, Porter, Brown and Frost families are very old and established Maryland families. They tend to marry within their close society. He is a mystery. I am very happy the information is helpful. Mary Lou Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.